Abstract: In a process for reclaiming foundry scrap sand, containing organic and inorganic binders, the comminuted foundry sand is precleaned in a dry state by allowing it to impinge and/or by grain-against-grain friction, is regenerated by thermal treatment, and is subsequently subjected to a final cleaning in the dry state, separated slurry materials being separated from the regenerate by a gas stream. An apparatus for conducting the process comprises a rotary drum (5, 46, 107) and/or a shotblasting cleaner (102) for precleaning, a fluidized-bed furnace (9, 51, 108) for thermal regeneration, and a further rotary drum (10, 59, 109) and/or a further shotblasting cleaner (151) for the final cleaning, and is accommodated in several container-type vessels (I through IX) which latter can be set up in superimposed relationship.

Abstract: A method of regenerating old casting sand consists of the steps of introducing essentially dry, used casting sand into a single container, then simultaneously subjecting the sand to rapid heating and extreme turbulence by directing a gas flame against the sand having a temperature of at least 1400.degree. C. (2550.degree. F.) along a first axis, rotating a crushing tool about a second axis parallel to the first axis and positioned such that the crushing tool does not pass through the gas flame and rotating the container about a third axis, parallel to the first and second axes. In a preferred embodiment, the container is cylindrical in shape and the third axis is inclined from the vertical at an angle of between 10.degree. and 60.degree., thereby creating upper and lower zones. The burner flame preferably is directed to the sand in the lower zone and the crushing tool is positioned to operate in the upper zone.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention mainly relates to the technical areas of foundry, manufacture of parts by casting metal in moulds.The process consists in that after moulding the parts and stripping them from the moulds which were broken, during a first cycle the mixture resulting from the knock-out is recovered. This mixture being stored. This mixture is directed from the storage place to an intermediate container; then the mixture from the intermediate container is fed up to a sieve grading separator unit allowing to separate the grains or particles in several different grading batches; each one of these batches is directed to a separating table designed for separating chromite from silica; the chromite on the one hand and the silica on the other hand are recovered in containers.This invention mainly applies to the recovery of components of different densities, especially chromite and silica.

Abstract: A method of cleaning contaminated soil which achieves very low levels of residual impurities and does not produce contaminated residues is characterized by the steps of, (a) feeding the contaminated soil to a combustion space (6) of a fluidized bed furnace (4) having, at the underside of said combustion space, a structure (5) for air distribution, (b) forming a fluidized bed of the contaminated soil above said air distribution structure (5) in the combustion space by means of combustion air delivered under elevated pressure via the air distribution structure, and (c) mainly or completely burning the impurities from the soil in the combustion space (6), to provide cleaned soil. Preferably the air distribution structure (5) comprises a generally horizontal grid (7) of pipes having air distribution nozzles with gaps between the pipes, coarse soil particles passing through said gaps into a collection space (13) from the combustion space.

Abstract: The decoring apparatus (1) consists of a portal-shaped support frame (2), at each of the vertical posts (4) and supports (5) on which a bracket (7) is provided. From each of these, via a swinging arm (9), a carrying unit (11) is suspended which is able to swing freely like a pendulum. Said carrying unit has two longitudinal arms (14,15) on which two vibrators (23) and two buffer bars (20) or an impact plate (19), as the case may be, are provided, whereby between the latter there is a casting receiving opening (16), and on the rear side of which several support bars (17) are provided. A casting (a) is loosely set into the receiving opening (16), and the carrying unit (11) is put into motion by vibrators (23). Since said vibrations induce the loose casting (a) to vibrate as well, the latter is quickly and freely moved back and forth between the impact plate (19) and the buffer bars (20) within a defined clearance (c), whereby the casting knocks against them in turn.

Abstract: This relates to a device for crushing sand lumps. The device includes a tub which is resiliently mounted and is provided with means for vibrating the same in a generally vertical direction parallel to a rear wall of the tub. The tub rear wall is hollow and is provided on the inner face with perforated crusher plates. Sand flow through the crusher plates is down through the hollow rear wall and there is an upwardly directed airwash for the falling sand. The lower portion of the rear wall is in the form of a door mounted for swinging movement about a horizontal axis. The door is operated by a cylinder having an axis parallel to the direction of vibration and the door is opened during the vibration of the tub so as to direct scrap and uncrushed lumps out through the lower portion of the rear wall in the same direction of salvaged sand flow.

Abstract: A system for treating solid, granular and aggregate material thermally including a storage silo containing a supply of the material to be thermally treated. A combination thermal reclaimer and heat exchanger apparatus is connected in fluid flow relation to the storage silo for receiving material therefrom. The combination thermal reclaimer and heat exchanger apparatus is operative to both effect a preheating of material received thereby and to accomplish a thermal reclamation of the material received thereby as the material completes its passage through the combination thermal reclaimer and heat exchanger apparatus. A feeder device is cooperatively associated with the combination thermal reclaimer and heat exchanger means for receiving thermally reclaimed material therefrom. The feeder device has a transporter pipe cooperatively associated therewith into which thermally reclaimed material is fed. The transporter pipe is operative for transporting the thermally reclaimed material to a material storage device.

Abstract: Granular solids are thermally and pneumatically treated to remove organic and inorganic chemical additives which are bonded to the granular solids or in admixture with them, to provide a purified granular solid product which is suitable for reuse, for example foundry sand for use in high strength molded cores, or for other productive uses, such as landfill. Granular solid feed material is preheated in a dilute phase zone of a fluidized bed, organic chemical additives are thermally oxidized in a dense phase zone of the fluidized bed, and remaining inorganic chemical additives are separated and removed from the granular solids in a contiguous pneumatic impaction zone. The purified granular solids are removed from the pneumatic impaction zone and organic and inorganic materials are elutriated from the fluidized bed and removed from the head space.

Abstract: A system (10) particularly suited for reclaiming used foundry sand by means of thermal reclamation. The subject system (10) includes, arranged in cooperatively associated series relation, thermal reclaimer means (14), post reclaimer means (15), primary cooling means (16), separator means (18), classifying and dust removal means (19), scrubber means (20) and secondary cooling means (22). The used sand, which preferably is first fed through a lump-crusher, shake-out apparatus (12), is made to pass through thermal reclaimer means (14) while being heated to a predetermined temperature for a preestablished period of time in order to accomplish the burning away of the organic materials, i.e., matter, which are present in the used sand. From the thermal reclaimer means (14), the used sand passes to and through the post reclaimer means (15) for further reclaiming and then to and through the primary cooling means (16) wherein the heated sand is cooled to a suitable temperature.

Abstract: A system (10) particularly suited for treating solid, granular and aggregate material by means of thermal reclamation. The subject (10) includes, arranged in cooperatively associated series relation, storage hopper means (12), heat exchanger means (14), thermal pipe reclaimer means (16) and cyclone scrubber means (18). The function of the storage hopper means (12) is to store therewithin a suitable supply of grain size material, which is to be treated. At a preestablished rate the material is fed from the storage hopper means (12) to the heat exchanger means (14). While traveling through the heat exchanger means (14) the material is preheated to a first temperature. From the heat exchanger means (14) after undergoing metal separation and crushing of lumps, the material is supplied to the thermal pipe reclaimer means (16) wherein the material is heated to a specified temperature for a predetermined period of time in order to effect the burning away of organic matter which the material embodies.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) embodying heat exchange means for treating solid, granular and aggregate materials, and in particular for treating spent, i.e., used, chemically bonded foundry sand. The subject apparatus (14) includes a rotatable first chamber means (16) and a rotatable second chamber means (30). The used foundry sand is preheated while traveling from one end thereof to the other end thereof through the first and second chamber means (16, 30). From the second chamber means (30) the preheated used foundry sand is suitably conveyed to a thermal reclaimer means (12) for purposes of thermally removing organic matter therefrom. Thereafter, the used foundry sand is conveyed to a fluidizing chamber means (48) which is located in surrounding heat exchange relation to the first chamber means (16).

Abstract: Manufactured goods such as cast components to which molding sand is still adhering, are treated in a vibratory conveyor chute for cleaning and cooling the goods. As the goods travel down the chute they are exposed to force components extending perpendicularly and across to the travel direction along the length of the chute. These force components impose on the goods a revolving motion along a helical path. This revolving motion may be improved or intensified by directing the resulting force components (R, R') of the force causing the revolving motion to extend at a spacing from a so-called "center of gravity line" (S, S') defining or interconnecting the center of gravity points along the length of the vibratory chute system. This spacing causes a distribution of the goods (11) in the chute such that the goods (11) have a slanted surface (10) in the chute (1). Thus, the vertical acceleration values (k.sub.v) are larger at the upper return zone 26 than they are at the lower return zone 27.

Abstract: Used foundry sand is passed downward through a series of vertical, fluid sand beds. Hot air is forced upward in countercurrent fashion through the beds in turn so that a boiling action is achieved in the sand masses. The combination of thermal and abrasive action removes both organic resin and clay-bonded materials from the sand in one continuous operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reclaiming foundry sand from contaminated foundry sand wherein ferromagnetic contaminants are first removed in a magnetic separating zone, and the remaining contaminated sand is thermally treated at a temperature sufficiently high to cause embrittlement of clay constituents among the remaining contaminants, and finally the thermally treated material is comminuted, preferably in a counterflow impact jet mill to recover a reclaimed foundry sand substantially free from contaminants.

Abstract: A system (10) particularly suited for reclaming used foundry sand by means of thermal reclamation. The subject system (10) includes, arranged in cooperatively associated series relation, thermal reclaimer means (14), post reclaimer means (15), primary cooling means (16), separator means (18), classifying and dust removal means (19), scrubber means (20) and secondary cooling means (22). The used sand, which preferably is first fed through a lump-crusher, shake-out apparatus (12), is made to pass through thermal reclaimer means (14) while being heated to a predetermined temperature for a preestablished period of time in order to accomplish the burning away of the organic materials, i.e., matter, which are present in the used sand. From the thermal reclaimer means (14), the used sand passes to and through the post reclaimer means 15 for further reclaiming and then to and through the primary cooling means (16) wherein the heated sand is cooled to a suitable temperature.

Abstract: A reclamation apparatus comprising a centrifugal apparatus for removing impurities from sand by abrasion and entrainment. The apparatus is used to reproduce old molding sand so as to be useable again in making molds and, comprises a cylindrical body including an old sand feed hopper and a dust attraction opening in its upper part, an open-top rotary drum in its central part and a reclaimed sand discharge opening in its lower part. The old sand supplied through the feed hopper is distributed uniformly along the peripheral portion of the bottom plate of the rotary drum by means of a distributor, and the rotary drum is rotated at a high speed to cause a shearing phenomenon in the layer of sand and cause the sand to scatter over the peripheral wall of the drum.

Abstract: A foundry sand composition which comprises particulate sand, aqueous sodium silicate as binder and an alkylene carbonate as hardener and which after use for moulds and/or cores in metal casting can be reclaimed for reuse by an attrition process contains before use no more than 11% by weight of alkylene carbonate based on the weight of aqueous sodium silicate and during the reclamation process has a residual moisture content of less than 0.8% by weight as determined by loss on ignition on 550.degree. C.

Abstract: An explosion treatment apparatus useful for confined shock exposure of materials as for removal of sand cores from finished castings and, in particular, cores in permanent mold castings in which a horizontally axised index device successively presents plural and substantially similar cavities to a position at which sealing, evacuating, fueling and ignition occur. This results in an explosion which occurs upon closure of each chamber. After the confined explosion, the cavity is opened and all cavities are indexed so that the fired cavity can be unloaded, the previously unloaded cavity can be dumped, the next adjacent cavity can be reloaded, and the reloaded cavity is presented to closure.

Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming no-bake foundry sand is provided, in which a fluidized stream of pneumatically conveyed particles of no-bake coated sand grains traveling at velocity sufficient for transport is discharged against a target to fracture the no-bake rigid coatings from the sand grains on impact. Certain of the fractured coatings are removed and the sand grains along with any remaining fractured coating particles are directed through a passageway having a fluidizing air stream induced therein. The air stream entrains and carries off the fractured coatings and the fine sand grains so that only sand grains of desired particle size pass through the air stream for subsequent reuse. Advantageously, the velocity of the air stream is controlled by regulating the cross-sectional area of the passageway at the point at which the air stream is induced.

Abstract: This relates to a device for crushing sand lumps. The device includes a tub which is resiliently mounted and is provided with means for vibrating the same in a generally vertical direction parallel to a rear wall of the tub. The tub rear wall is hollow and is provided on the inner face with perforated crusher plates. Sand flow through the crusher plates is down through the hollow rear wall and there is an upwardly directed airwash for the falling sand. The lower portion of the rear wall is in the form of a door mounted for swinging movement about a horizontal axis. The door is operated by a cylinder having an axis parallel to the direction of vibration and the door is opened during the vibration of the tub so as to direct scrap and uncrushed lumps out through the lower portion of the rear wall in the same direction of salvaged sand flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming no-bake foundry sand is provided, in which a fluidized stream of pneumatically conveyed particles of no-bake coated sand grains traveling at velocity sufficient for transport is discharged against a target to fracture the no-bake rigid coatings from the sand grains on impact. Certain of the fractured coatings are removed and the sand grains along with any remaining fractured coating particles are directed through a passageway having a fluidizing air stream induced therein. The air stream entrains and carries off the fractured coatings and the fine sand grains so that only sand grains of desired particle size pass through the air stream for subsequent reuse. Advantageously, the velocity of the air stream is controlled by regulating the cross-sectional area of the passageway at the point at which the air stream is induced.

Abstract: Regeneration of clay-bonded used foundry sand for reuse instead of new sand. A dry mass of used sand is rubbed for such a length of time, is accelerated suddenly and delayed, and is freed continuously of fine components, until the fine matter, active bonding clay and oolitization degree fall below certain threshold values such that the regenerated product substantially gains the characteristics of new sand. An apparatus for regeneration treatment contains a horizontal revolving sand drum (10), an impact rotor (30) disposed inside said drum in the area of the fall stream (46) of the used sand and a pneumatic dust removal device (36) disposed in the inside of the drum. A chemical secondary treatment of the regenerated product can be carried out advantageously in the same installation in order to bind remaining fine matter to the surface of the grains of sand and simultaneously to seal the pores of the grains.

Abstract: An apparatus for reclaiming material primarily used in the fabrication of foundry molds is provided in which the sand in the form of large chunks of mold is introduced into a vibrating conveyor and carried initially to a rotary hammer assembly. The chunks are chopped into finer pieces which fall back into the conveyor and are moved into a vibrating drum assembly which causes the pieces to self-abrade into particles. When the particles reach a predetermined size, they leave the drum through a perforated gate means and fall back into the conveyor which carries the particles to a vibrating screen. Particles passing through the screen are then removed for further processing.

Abstract: A sand muller reconditioning method and structure in which the bottom of the sand muller's vessel is reestablished into a generally planar or flat attitude after prolonged use of the muller has resulted in a wide groove-like circular wear path in that bottom beneath the sand muller's plow. The method and structure includes defining an inner circumferential seat, and an outer circumferential seat, in the vessel's bottom, those seats being disposed inside of and outside of, respectively, the circular wear path previously formed in the bottom. A wear plate comprised of multiple arcuate sections is then sized to fit in the inner and outer seats for eliminating the circular wear path, the wear plate being fixed to the vessel's bottom by bolts cooperating with tapped bores in the bottom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing form sand from a casting box and for comminuting and sand clods formed by the sand removed from the box, in which the casting box is placed on a grate having two grate portions, preferably tiltable about spaced tilting axes between a first position, in which the grate portions are located in a common substantially horizontal plane for receiving a filled casting box on its upper surface, and a second position in which the two grate portions extend upwardly inclined from a center line of the grate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grinding mill system including a ball mill, rod mill, or the like, the system being characterized by an improved, simple and highly effective proportioning feed device for automatically optimizing through-put under any of a series of differing operating conditions. The system automatically proportions raw material to be ground with partially ground but oversize materials in an efficient manner without the use of complex and expensive electronic and like sensing devices and circuits.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reclaiming sand from foundry molds and forms. A drum is mounted in a frame for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The frame is hinged at its rearward end so that the longitudinal axis of the drum may be adjustably inclinedfrom the horizontal. The drum is provided with first and second breaking zones for reducing large pieces of material in the drum as the drum rotates. The first breaking zone contains longitudinal rib members and spikes attached thereto while the second breaking zone contains longitudinal rib members only. A perforate partition separates the first and second breaking zones and prevents the movement of material from the first breaking zone to the second breaking zone until it has been sufficiently reduced. There is also provided a grinding zone for further reducing particles having a predetermined maximum size by means of grinding balls.

Abstract: A blast cleaning machine for blast cleaning parts comprising a main frame, a housing supported on the main frame, and a barrel assembly rotatably supported in the housing for oscillatory movements therein between loading, blasting and discharge positions. The barrel assembly has an annular side wall provided with relatively inclined sections that cooperate with relatively inclined surface sections at the bottom of the barrel to provide for a continuous tumbling and flowing of parts in the barrel across a stream of shot projected into the open end of the barrel by a conventional impeller assembly. This action of the parts assures a full cleaning of all of the parts in the barrel in a relatively short time.

Abstract: A reclaiming system for used foundry sand containing a sodium silicate (water glass) binder. The resulting chunks of sand and binder are disintegrated by mechanical crushing in a water wash. A primary slurry containing discrete particles of sand and both dissolved and suspended binder is conveyed to a settling tank where the sand settles from the slurry. The heavier particles of sand are removed by a ladder conveyer, which allows liquid to drain from the sand as it is being elevated. The sand is dried in rotary drum dryers, being subjected to a constant flow of heated air. The remaining secondary fluid, containing particles of binder, is directed to a centrifugal separator, where the suspended materials such as binder particles are removed from the liquid. The liquid is then recirculated in the system, eliminating discharge of liquid or the need for substantial replenishing of liquid during the process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for mechanically and pneumatically cning and stripping particulate granular and/or pulverulent solid materials which are particularly applicable to the regeneration of old foundry sand agglomerated by a binder. The particulate materials are introduced into and projected by a current of gas against the interior sides of a rotating drum where the materials are repeatedly subjected to a shock treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mold sand conditioning which includes the directing of mold sand between bristles of counterrotating brushes where the bristles are intertwined and the sand is forced into the brushes to be finely divided and aerated upon discharge. The conditioning assembly includes an enclosing housing with a driving brush journaled therein and connected to a driving motor. A driven brush is mounted in the housing and slidably adjustable relative to the first brush to maintain a predetermined overlap between the bristles to insure the milling or conditioning operation on the mill sand.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing lumps of material, such as lumps of sand recovered from casting operations in metal foundries or lumps of ore and the like, including various forms of bonded abrasive grinding wheels for abrading the lumps and reducing them to particle or granular form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scrubbing particles of sand used in foundry molding is disclosed. The device utilizes a rotating impellor surrounded by a stationary control cage having at least one upwardly positioned opening therein to project sand against a target. The sand rebounds from the target and is continually intercepted and impacted by subsequent grains of sand hurled by the impellor through the control cage opening. The device produces a scrubbing action on the particles by the repeated and continual contact with each to reduce binder buildup from the molding process. A first stage scrubbing of the particles is obtained by causing the particles to be compacted between the rotating impellor and the control cage prior to their being thrown against the target. The sand particles may be recycled through the device any number of times in order to increase the scrubbing effect and further reduce binder buildup.

Abstract: A substantially horizontally disposed drum is supported for rotation. One end of the drum is adapted to receive lumps of material which are granulated within the drum by abrasive particles which are projected from an abrasive throwing wheel. The drum includes a plurality of apertures through which the granulated material and abrasive particles are removed and subsequently conveyed to a separator for separating the granulated material from the abrasive particles. The apparatus may include a conditioner which scours the granulated material.

Abstract: Used foundry sand which is predominantly in the form of lumps containing a binder for the sand particles is regenerated. In the course of the regeneration, the lumps are comminuted and, simultaneously therewith, an at least partial separation of the sand and the binder is effected. The simultaneous comminution and separation is effected by a dry, mechanical procedure during which the lumps are subjected to an abrasive or scouring action. This is accomplished by means of a pair of vibrating or rotating brush-like members provided with steel bristles. These members are located adjacent the bottom of a trough-shaped strainer which permits the passage of sand particles having a size less than a predetermined size. A cover is provided for the strainer and serves to cause rebounding of particles which impinge upon it. A feed hopper feeds the lumps of used foundry sand to the brush-like members and a bar overlying the gap between the latter prevents entry of the lumps into the gap.